‘Tis the Season to Be the Change

by Lisa RegulaDecember 13, 2013

By Lisa Regula Meyer

Holidays are supposed to be happy and joyful occasions surrounded by family and friends, but for those who have had a falling out with their family, or who have lost loved ones through death or estrangement, the holidays can be everything but happy and joyful. All too often, teens and young adults in the LGBTQ community fall into this category. We all know the statistics about LGBTQ youth and suicide, violence, depression, and homelessness, but if you happen to need a review, Lambda Legal, Human Rights Campaign, and PFLAG new York City have some great data sets that are not for the faint of heart. Not that youth are the only ones suffering right now; we also see a bleak picture for older LGBTQ individuals as well.

Now that you’re thoroughly pissed off, depressed, resigned- whatever negative emotion these statistics strike in you- do something about it! The good news is, it’s never been easier to provide support as a part of a community than it is today, thanks to the internet and social media. Granted, it’s not as good as an actual hug, but even reading kind words reminding you that you are important enough to reach out to can be a huge lift during the holidays. Your Holiday Mom is trying to provide just that for LGBTQ youth with a virtual message that can be read as a reminder that people do care and you do matter. For some of us, the holidays are just plain terrible, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can insert all the criticisms of digital communication and community, and cries of “slacktivism” that you want, and at a rational- intellectual level I would totally agree with you. But here’s the thing- humans tend not to be very rational. Obviously, this little bit isn’t going to replace any other holiday good cheer that you might send out, but it’s a small thing that you can do that might just mean the world to someone who needs it right now. I’m proud to say that I know some of the holiday moms already posted, and I hope to be able to include more acquaintances in the list of people-doing-something-great that is the holiday letter site.

Also in Parenting

Life can get busy. With work, kids, family commitments, friends, chores, and the general chaos of everyday life, it can be near impossible at times to sit down for a cup of tea, let alone squeeze in an hour of exercise regularly. However, all things are possible if you set your mind to them. Those that prioritize their fitness nearly...

With the passage of marriage equality last year, laws have been quickly changing across the United States. LGBT couples with or without children weren’t just given the right of marriage, they were provided new protections and benefits within their families. All of a sudden, LGBT couples and families had to figure out how to file jointly when it came to taxes, how to add...

I recently wrote an article for The Next Family called, “Family-Friendly Films That Feature Adoption and Foster Care,” that shared wonderful family films with adoption or foster care story lines. My reasoning behind doing so was because every family deserves a chance to see similar families like theirs represented in various forms of entertainment.

About Us

Equality

Love and Pride believes every human being is entitled to equal rights.

When you wear Love and Pride, you take a stand for equality.

Diversity

Love and Pride celebrates the rich diversity of all human beings.

When you wear Love and Pride, you join the celebration.

Tolerance

Love and Pride promotes tolerance and respect for all people regardless of our differences.

When you wear Love and Pride, you help share the message.

Love and Pride is a worldwide venture founded in 2005 to celebrate the transformative powers of passion, creativity and action. The collective dream of a group of artists and entrepreneurs, we invite designers and brands from around the globe to offer their products to you, our friends and family.

Love and Pride is the first of its kind – a premium designer online lifestyle destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance. Our jewelry collections include engagement, commitment, wedding and anniversary rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, watches and other accessories for women and men. To complete your shopping experience, we offer a curated collection of men’s and women’s fashion, design and gift items, beauty, and personal grooming products. Sometimes romantic, sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical…our products are always captivating. Join with us to create change, inspire acceptance and make a difference – Look Good, Do Good.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Your purchase makes a difference at Love and Pride. Proceeds from the sales at www.LoveandPride.com are donated to non-profit

organizations that support full equality and civil rights for our community. Our partners, The Matthew Shepard Foundation, The Human Rights

Campaign and others are shaping a better future for all of us by helping to create a society that is truly diverse and tolerant. Make a fashion and

social statement with Love and Pride!

AWARDS

Marriage Equality USA Award - June 10, 2014

Matthew Shepard Foundation Essential Piece Award

JCK Designer of the year Award

OUR DESIGNER

Love and Pride is the creation of Udi Behr, one of today’s most exciting and original jewelry designers. Udi has won acclaim everywhere from

The New York Times to People Magazine for his iconic Love and Pride jewelry, including Designer of the Year honors from Luxury Magazine. His